Coventry City are in dire need of a victory.

Eight games in to the new season and the Sky Blues are rock bottom with 5 draws, 3 losses and not a single win so far this season.

This highlights the catastrophic state that the club is in both on and off the pitch.

3 goals from the opening 8 games is also a major cause for concern. Tony Mowbray has altered his 3-4-3 formation and has opted for a more traditional 4 at the back, which is a positive to start with.

But goals and wins need to come. Gillingham are leaking goals at the moment so Tony Mowbray will be targeting his first victory when they visit the Kent side on Saturday afternoon.

Mowbray needs to get his formation right and 4-2-3-1 seems to suit the team.

This was the formation that was so successful at the start of last season and, whilst Coventry don't have those players any more, it allows them defensive protection and attacking potential.

Here is the 4-2-3-1 formation Mowbray needs to deploy against Gillingham...

 

GK: Reice Charles-Cook

Charles-Cook is certain to start for the Sky Blues against the Gills at Priestfield.

 

RB: Sam Ricketts

With Jamie Sterry set to be assessed ahead of this weekend's clash after being stretchered off against Oldham, Sam Ricketts could return to his right back berth.

The 34-year-old does not have the legs that he once did but he is better at right back than he is in the middle.

The former Wales international is the captain and provides a more defensive and experienced option in the full back spot.

CB: Jordan Willis

Coventry fans would have breathed two sighs of relief this summer; when Jordan Willis returned from injury and when he didn't leave in the transfer window.

The Coventry-born 22-year-old is a powerful, quick centre half with plenty of experience despite his young age. He missed the whole of last season with injury but has returned a better, more mature player and he leads by example from the back.

CB: Jordan Turnbull

Jordan Turnbull is also young but the perfect compliment as he is a left-footed centre half. The 21-year-old arrived from Southampton this summer for an undisclosed fee.

The England youth international is still learning his trade admittedly but he has plenty of experience having had two full seasons in League One with Swindon Town prior to his move to the Ricoh.

LB: Lewis Page

Lewis Page seems to be the preferred left back option to academy product Ryan Haynes.

After a slow start to his Coventry career, the West Ham loanee is starting to show his capabilities as a full back with defensive solidity and the potential to put in a very good delivery.

The 20-year-old is still a bit lightweight but is improving game by game and should continue in his starting role this weekend.

CM: Gael Bigirimana

Gael Bigirimana returned to his boyhood club Coventry City this summer and looks a new man.

His time at Newcastle stunted his career but the 22-year-old is still young and looks the real deal.

He is energetic, composed and is constantly tackling, intercepting and breaking down the opposition attacks.

The Burundi international is getting his career back on track and provides the perfect protection for his back four after three man of the match performances in a row.

 

CM: Ben Stevenson

 

Vladimir Gadzhev and Chris McCann are both doubts for this weekend's clash, which is the perfect excuse to hand a start to young talent Ben Stevenson.

The 19-year-old is a technically gifted player who has been bossing reserve team football for a couple of years now and is ready for the first team.

He might still be raw but the Coventry-born central midfielder is set to become the next big thing to come out of Coventry's proud academy.

 

RM: Jodi Jones

Coventry need star man Jodi Jones to be on top of his game this weekend.

The 18-year-old has the ability to run rings around League One defences with pace, tricks and close control.

If the East Londoner can add end product to his game then he will become the real deal and his first goal is surely just around the corner.

CAM: Ruben Lameiras

Former Tottenham youth player Ruben Lameiras is erratic and inconsistent but is exceptional on his day.

The attacking midfielder is a left-footed player with plenty of flair but is quite lightweight and can go missing on occasions.

No one is doubting the 21-year-old's talent though and Coventry will be hoping he applies himself this weekend against Gillingham.

 

LM: Dan Agyei

The final wing position is a tricky one.

Andy Rose is not ready to return yet, Kyel Reid has been abysmal and Andre Wright hasn't played yet.

While it could be argued that prolific under-23 striker George Thomas needs to be given a go in the first team, it might be a safer option to give Agyei another start.

The Burnley loanee scored on his debut for Coventry and looked powerful and quick but not match fit. Since then, though, he hasn't done much.

His talent wasn't an illusion so Coventry fans will be hoping he can turn in another good performance if given the nod this weekend.

ST: Marvin Sordell

Marvin Sordell is a strange one; from England under-21 and Great Britain player who was raking in the goals for Watford to estranged and forgotten journeyman released by Colchester United.

The 25-year-old clearly has the talent as he demonstrated with a wonderful goal against Millwall and he is looking to get his career back on track under Mowbray's Coventry.

Sordell could be the answer to Coventry's goal problems if he can rediscover the form which made him one of the country's hottest prospects just four or five years ago.